Diabetes Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates and other nutrients are essential for providing energy and for other needs. Insulin is a hormone that helps in the absorption of glucose in the blood. In individuals with diabetes, lack of insulin results in increased blood sugar levels. People with type1 diabetes; fail to make insulin, whereas type 2 diabetics fail to react to the insulin that is produced. Carbohydrates in the diet are converted to glucose, thereby resulting in an increase in the blood glucose level.

Avoidance of carbohydrates is not recommended, as they are nutritious and are necessary for the various functions. They form an integral part of a nutritious diet. Complex carbohydrates, such as dietary fibre helps in warding off a few complications. The choice of right foods plays an important role.

Fibre helps in enhancing the digestive system and helps in increasing the satiety value or the feeling of fullness. The absorption of sugar is decreased, due to fibre in the food. Soda, candy and other food stuffs provide empty calories. Blood sugar is easily controlled by fibre or complex carbohydrates in the diet. Carbohydrates, such as refined sugars, white flour and so on are absorbed more quickly into the blood stream. Rapid digestion results in their easy entry into the bloodstream.